Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in servicemen and women on active duty or after they return home, but many are reluctant to seek treatment for this medical condition. Social stigmas or feelings of personal weakness can sometimes cause veterans to suffer in silence while PTSD disrupts their lives.
Factors for Developing PTSD
There are many factors that determine if a member of the military will develop PTSD.
Even if someone experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, it doesn’t mean he’ll suffer from PTSD. Individuals with the following are more likely to develop this medical condition:
- Veterans/soldiers with a history of mental illness
- Veterans/soldiers with a family history of mental illness
- Veterans/soldiers who have no social support
- Veterans/soldiers who don’t tell anyone about their traumatic combat experience
There are many myths about PTSD, but one in particular seems to hamper a veteran’s willingness to get help: having PTSD makes him weak, and he wasn’t strong enough to deal with combat.
Developing PTSD Doesn’t Make a Veteran Weak
After experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, veterans and soldiers may feel embarrassed if they develop symptoms of PTSD. Because there's still a social stigma about people with mental illness, some military personnel may feel damaged, inadequate, or weak, thinking others don’t want to be around them. When this happens, individuals with PTSD tend to keep their pain and suffering to themselves, not letting others in to help.
Those in the military who have symptoms of PTSD may fear they’ll be seen as unfit for duty by their peers and superiors. They also may be afraid they’ll be discharged. Because there still might be a misconception that a service member with PTSD isn’t able to protect others and can’t be trusted, military personnel often keep silent about their condition.
It’s important to know that developing PTSD isn’t anyone’s fault. To demonstrate real courage, it’s critical for your health to speak up and get help. Because there are many options and resources available for treatment, there’s every reason to get the assistance you need to cope with this medical condition.
Cuddigan Law Can Help With Your PTSD Claim
The experienced legal team at Cuddigan Law recognizes and respects the sacrifices veterans have made to protect this country, and we understand that developing PTSD isn't a weakness. If you’re a veteran suffering from PTSD, we can help you obtain the disability benefits you need to care for yourself and your loved ones. It’s possible that you qualify for financial assistance from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
If you need help service-connecting your mental health condition and want to file for disability benefits, contact Cuddigan Law. Our attorneys have been supporting veterans for years, and we’ll carefully examine your case and advise you on the best approach for receiving the maximum in disability benefits. Call us today, and you’ll speak to an intake specialist for free.
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